Double-edged safety razor



- Aug. 6, 1935. M. B. BEHRMAN DOUBLE EDGED SAFETY RAZOR,

2 Sheets-Sheet l R o m. W6 mw a W ATTO NEY ug 6, 1935. M. B. BEHRMAN2,010,053

4DUBLE EDGED SAFETY RAZOR Filed oct. 3, 192s 2?L sn'eeAts-sneet 2 .5.Tl? i 15 6a 67,

I lll. Kfm ummm! lNVENT hda-44 MM A TToRNEY Patented Aug. 6, 1935 UNITEDSTATES -DoUBLE-EDGED SAFETY RAZOR Marcus B. Behrman, Brooklyn, N. Y.,assignor to American Safety Razor Corporation, Brooklyn, N. Y., acorporation of Virginia Application October 3,

4 Claims.

My present invention relates generally to razors, and has particularreference to a Safety-razor adapted to employ double-edged blades.

`One object of my invention is to provide a 5 safety-razor wherein theadvantageous features of a blade stop engagement with the cutting edgeof a blade are achieved.

`It is well known that a lrazor will shave With maximum efficiency onlywhen the cutting edge of the blade is properly positioned in apredetermined manner in association with a guard edge of a blade seat.Such positioning is efficiently effected by providing blade stops atopposite ends of the guard edge against which the opposite ends of thecutting edge may be made to abut. i

In a single-edged razor construction, it is a comparatively simplematter to move the blade bodily up against such blade stops. In adoubleedged construction, it is impossible, Without severing the blade,to move both cutting edges simultaneously against respective bladestops.

It is a particular object of my invention to provide a razor designed toemploy a double-edged blade wherein both cutting edges of the blade arecapable of blade stop engagement Without any severance of the blade.

I accomplish this general object by providing a razor wherein twoopposed guard `edges are themselves adapted to move toward one another30 so as to bring the blade stops of each into abutment respectivelywith the opposite cutting edges of a double-edged blade.

It is therefore a feature of my presentinvention to provide asafety-razor wherein a blade seat is'constituted of two separate andopposed sections, these sections being relatively movable With respecttoeach other and to provide means for moving theseysections together ina proper manner for accomplishing the desired purpose. In one form ofrazor, such sections are normally spaced and are adapted to bepositively moving together; while in a different form, the sections areso constructed and arranged as to be normally in close association andadapted to be spread at the desired times. i

Another object of my invention is to provide a razor constructionwherein the proper clamping of a double-edged blade and a properengagement of its cutting edges with corresponding blade stops `ispositively assured. It is therefore a feature of my invention to providemeans for clamping such a blade to the blade seat, and means forpreventing the blade stop engagement from being eected until the bladeis thoroughly clamped. In other words, I provide means for successivelyclamping 1928, Serial No. 309,923

the blade and moving the blade stops into abutment with correspondingcutting edges. In one embodiment,l I accomplish this by a unitarycontr'ol means; in other embodiments, the clamping means isindependently controllable.

Y The foregoing feature is of particular importance in connection with arazor conforming substantially to the customary type of razor whereinthe oppositely arranged blade seat sections are angularly disposed withrespect to one another so as to provide a blade seat having a generallyupward-convex configuration. In a razor construction of thisupwardly-convex character, my present invention is of particular valuein that flexure of the blade into conformity with the seat is positivelyassured before the blade stops are moved together into abutment with therespective cutting edges of the exed blade.

Another feature of my invention therefore lies in providing means forpositively preventing movement of the blade seat sections toward oneanother until after the blade has been clamped or fiexed. Or, statedotherwise, it is a feature to provide means for locking the seatsections against mutual approach as long as the clamping means isoperative in clamping the blade.

More particularly, I provide at least one plug which is adapted to enterinto the space between the blade seat sections and to remain in suchinterposition until the clamping has been accomplished. Where theclamping means includes a blade seat cover, I provide the plug or plugsas integral depending portions ofthe cover.

I'preferably employ a pair of spaced and 0pposed plugs each of which issubstantially T- shaped in cross-section, the stems of the Ts facing oneanother and being adapted to enter the space between the blade seatsections.

Another Vfeature lies in providing the plugs in such a manner as toaccomplish a locking of the clamping means after the razor is ready foruse. For example, I prefer to provide each plug with a portion whichpositions itself beneath the blade Seat after the sections have closed.

Another feature lies in providing a doubleedged blade of Such aconstruction and character as to permit its'ready employment with a razoof the foregoing character.

More particularly, I aim to provide a doubleedged blade having anopening or openings so shaped and positioned as to permit passagetherethrough of the plug or plugs orother portions of the clamping meansdesigned to enter into the space between the blade seat sections For theattainment of the foregoing' objects and such other objects as mayhereinafter appear or be pointed out, I have constructed severalembodiments of the invention and illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings in which- Figure 1 is an end view of one form of safetyrazorembodying the features of my invention, a portion of this view beingshown in crosssection;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line2-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an exploded view of certain of the elements illustrated inFigures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 14 of Figure 2;

Figures 5 and 6 are views similar to Figure 4 showing different relativepositions of the parts;

Figure 7 is a view similar' to Figure 1 showing a modied type of razor;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line8-8 of Figure '7;

Figure 9 is a plan view of the blade seat of Figures 7 and 8;

Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 9, showing an adjusted position;

Figure llis a bottom plan view of the cover of Figure 'l with a bladeapplied thereto, a portion of the blade having been broken away;

Figure 12 is a view in the same direction as Figurefll with the bladeseat applied to the blade;

Figure 13 is an exploded cross-sectional view taken substantially alongthe line IS--ii of Figure 8;

Figure le is a view similar to Figure 13 showing the parts in assembledpositions; and

Figure 15 is a central cross-sectional view illustrating a secondmodification.

Referring for the moment to Figures 1 6 and particularly to Figure 3 itwill be seen that I have provided a razor construction which comprisesthe generally upwardly-convex blade seat 2b mounted upon a handle 2l,this seat being adapted to receive a double-edged blade 22, and a cover23. The blade seat 2li is provided with the two opposed seat sections 24and 25. A guard edge 26 is provided on the section 24 and a similarguard edge 21 is provided on the section 25. Blade stops 28 are providedon the guard edge 26, and blade stops 29 are provided on the guard edge2.

In this embodiment, the sections 24 and 25 are adapted to be normally inslightly spaced relationship as shown in Figure 3, the space between thesections being dened by the slot 30 which extends substantially parallelto the two guard edges 26 and 2l. The blade seat is provided with therecesses 3l for a purpose presently to be described; and at themidportion of the seat the slot 30 widens out to provide the medialopening 32 which is in alignment with the axis of the handle 2l.

The blade 22 is provided with a cutting edge 33 adapted to overlie theguard edge 26, and a cutting edge 34 adapted to overlie the guard edge21. 'Ihe blade is also provided with a medial aperture 35 adapted tooverlie the opening 32. At the midportions of the side edges of theblade 22 I provide T-shaped recesses 36 adapted to overlie the recesses3l, each of the recesses 36 being provided with a portion 31 adapted tooverlie one of the extreme ends of the slot 3&3. From the standpoint ofthe present invention, there is no lobjection to the blade 22 havingthree aligned openings similar to the opening 35V so that the blademight, if desired, be employed with equal facility in connection withthe well known types of double-edged razors.

The cover 23 is provided with the medially depending shank 33 threadedat its lower end 39, this shank being adapted to extend downwardlythrough the aperture S5 and the opening 32 into the handle 2l. At theopposite ends of the cover 23, I provide depending plugs lle, each ofwhich is substantially T-shaped in cross-section and adapted to passthrough the recesses 36 and 3l. Each plug it is provided with a stem orportion lil which is spaced from the body of the cover 23 and which isadapted to pass through the relatively narrow recess portions 321, andthence into and through the extreme ends of the slot 3B.

Before describing the other features of this embodiment, I will pointout that in use the blade 22 is sandwiched between the seat 2t and thecover 2S, and that manipulation of a unitary control means willthereafter successively clamp the blade to the seat, flexing it intoconformity with the latter, and then move the seat sections 2d and 25together to bring the respective blade stops into abutment withrespective cutting edges.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2 I will point out that the seat sections2li and 25 are provided respectively with opposed depending portions i2and 63, the latter merging at their lower ends in the portion M. Theportions L12 and Q3 are constructed to constitute a sleeve through whichthe shank 33 may extend, and they are furthermore so constructed thatthe seat sections 2f?. and 25 are resiliently movable toward each otheralthough normally spaced. The handle 2i is formed as a hollow memberprovided with the interiorly threaded portion (i5 adapted to engage thethreaded portion 39 of the shank 33. The handle 2i is so constructed asto be inseparably associated with the portions l2 and it after thedevice has been assembled, at the same time being rotatable with respectto the portions i2 and 63. This is accomplished by providing a springsplit collar or the like i6 which is mounted in a shallow annularchannel provided on the portions G2 and i3 and which engages also withina shallow annular channel provided on the interior wall of the handle 2lslightly above the portion 135.

The portions 42 and i3 are also provided with a downwardly convergingshoulder il adapted to ooact with the upwardly divergent beveled upperedge i8 of the handle 2 l.

In Figures 4, 5, and 6 I have shown the method of use. In Figure i theblade 22 has been initially sandwiched between the cover 23 and theblade seat. Itis to be noted that the plugs it have passed through therecesses 35 and 3l and now rest within such recesses. It is to be notedfurther that the portions il of the plugs i8 have passed completelythrough the recess portions 31 of the blade 22 and are disposed betweenthe seat sections 24 and 25. The handle 2i is now manipulated byrotation thereof to engage the lower threaded end 39 of the shank t8,thereby drawing the cover 23 down onto the seat and clamping the blade22 between the cover and the seat, During this clamping operation, theseat sections 2li and 25 are positively locked against mutual approachby virtue of the interposition of the plug portions t! These plugportions remain in such interposition until the clamping has beencompleted. In Figure 5 the blade has been completely flexed onto theseat and the plugs il have just moved out of interposition between theseat sections 2li and 25. Further turning of the handle 2l now causesthe coaction between the shoulders 4l and 48 to squeeze the seatsections together, thereby bringing the blade stops 28 and 29 intoabutment respectively with the cutting edges 33 and 34 of the blade. Itis to be noted that there is no possibility of the blade stops missingthe proper encounter with the blade edges, since the movement of theblade stops cannot be accomplished until after the blade has beenproperly clamped onto the seat.

It will also be seen that the seat sections are drawn together above theplugs 4|. The latter are thereby locked in positions beneath the seatand accidental withdrawal of the cover is thereby effectually prevented.As a matter of fact, the cover or clamping means is locked to the seatuntil the handle is again manipulated initially to spread the seatsections and thereafter to release theishank 38.

In Figures 7-14 I have illustrated a modied form wherein the cover isdevoid of any medially depending shank such as the shank 38. In thisembodiment, the seat sections 50 and 5| are so arranged as to benormally in close proximity as shown in Figure 9. They are provided withthe downwardly depending portionsr52 and 53 respectively, the latterbeing united at their lower ends by the integral connecting portion 54.The portions 52 and 53 are so constructed that they will resilientlyremainv relatively close together until they are forcibly spread againstthe inherent resilience.

The handle 55 is in this case provided with the vupwardly extending rod56, the latter being provided at its upper end with a wedge in the formof an elliptical disc or head 5l. The latter rests within a medialopening 58 similar to the opening 32 of Figure 3. The head 5l may besaid to be eccentrically mounted upon the rod 56, and it will beunderstood that rotationof the handle 55 will swing the major axis ofthe elliptical head 5l between two positions shown in Figures 9 and 10.When this axis is parallel to the space between the seat sections as inFigure 9, the seat sections are enabled to remain close together; whenthe major axis is turned to 90 as Ashown in Figure 19, the seat sectionsare forcibly wedged apart. To limit the rotative movement of the handle55 to approximately this 90, I provide a pin 59 in the lower end of thehandle 55, the pin 59 engaging within a recess 60 provided in the lowerend of the portion 54.

In this embodiment, the cover 6| must be pressed onto the seatindependently of the spreading means, but it is to be noted that theseat sections cannot spring into their normal closed relationship untilafter the cover has been completely and firmly applied to the seat. Thisis so because of the provision of the opposed pair of plugs 92 carriedat opposite ends of the cover 6| and provided with the inwardly directedplug portions 93 as described in connection with the rst embodiment.V

A further improvement illustrated in Figures 7-14 lies in the modifiedconstruction of recesses 84 (corresponding to recesses 3| of Figure 3)and of the plugs 62. In Figures 9 and 10 it will be observed that I haveprovided a pair of cut-out portions or recesses 85 at the lateral endsof each recess 94. If the recesses heretofore described have beensubstantially T-shaped, then the modication of Figure 10 places serifsat the extreme ends of the cross-bar of the T. The plugs 62 aresimilarly provided with serifs 66 as shown most clearly in Figure 11.The blade 6l is substantially the same as the blade 22, thc recesses 68in the opposite side ends thereof being suitably shaped to providepassage therethrough of the plugs 62.

The provision of the serifs 65 and 65 assures proper centering of thecover when itis applied to the spread blade seat so that the plugportions 63 will more easily enter and withdraw from the narrow spacebetween the seat sections.

In use, the handle 55 is rotated through 90 to spread the seat sectionsfrom the normal positions of Figure 9 to the spread positions` of Figure10. Preferably, the cover 6| is then turned upside-down as shown inFigure 1l, and the blade 97 is applied thereto with the plugs 62extending through the recesses 68. Thereupon, the blade seat is appliedin inverted condition to the blade of Figure 1l. This application of theblade seat is shown most clearly-in Figure l2. It will be seen that theplug portions 63 enter freely into the space between the seat sections,being guided by the engagement between the inner walls of the serifs 66and the corresponding. walls of the serifs 65. The cover is then clampedfirmly down upon the seat, the seat sections being locked apart by theplug portions 63 until the blade has been thoroughlyclamped. After thishas been accomplished, a return rotation of the handle 55 will permitthe seat sections to spring together into the position of Figure 9, thecorresponding blade stops thereby encountering the corresponding bladeedges. At the same time, the plug portions 63 are locked beneath theblade seat as shown most clearly in Figures 8 and 14.

Figure 13 discloses with considerable clear-ness the relativeconstructions and positions of the parts prior to the sandwiching of theblade between the cover 6| and the blade seat. The seat sections ofFigure 13 are shown in spread relationship. In Figure 14 the blade hasbeen completely clamped and the se-at sections have been permitted tomove toward each other.

In Figure 15 I have shown a further modication wherein the rotativemovement of the handle 55 has been supplanted by a reciprocal movementthereof. A central opening 69 similar to the opening 58 is provided atits base with the .downwardly converging shoulder 1D. A rod l!corresponding to the rod 56 is provided with the downwardly convergingshoulder l2 and also with the head 73. Rotation of the rod l has noeffect, but when the latter is drawn downwardly, the shoulder l2 willoperate to spread the seat sections. The head i3 acts as a stop to limitthis downward movement. When the handle is moved upwardly, the inherentresilience of the seat sections will cause them to spring together againinto the positional relationship of Figure 15.

In certain of the drawings, I have shown the teeth of one guard edgelonger than the teeth of the opposite guard edge. This is a feature ofconstruction which may or may not be employed with facility inconnection with the other features of my present invention. The diierentconstructions and proportions of the opposite guard edges, both as tolength of teeth and depth of same, permits a single blade to be employedselectively for different shaving requirements. For example, one cuttingedge may be relatively close to the teeth while the opposite cuttingedge may be relatively remote from the teeth after the blade has beenclamped.

It will be obvious that changes in the details herein described andillustrated for the purpose of explaining the nature of my invention maybe made by those skilled in the art Without departing from the spiritand scope o the invention as expressed in the appended claims. It istherefore intended that these details be interpreted as illustrative,and not in a limiting sense.

Having thus described my invention and illustrated its use, what claimas new and desire to secure by Letters Eatent is l. In a safetywaaor, ablade seat comprising a pair of opposed and relatively movable sections,a guard edge on each section, and blade stops on each guard edge;resilient means `for normally holding said sections together,Y means forspreading said sections, means for clamping a double-edged bladeto theseat while the sec tions are spread, and means for lockingr saidsections in spread relationship until the ciamping has beenaccomplished., said last-named means comprising a plug carried by theclamping means and adapted to enter the space between said sections.

2. In a safety-razor, a blade seat comprising a pair of opposed andrelatively movable secn tions, a guard edge on each section, and bladestops on each guard edge; resilient means for normally holding saidsections together, means for spreading said sections, a seat cover forclamping a double-edged blade to the seat While the sections are spread,and a plug carried by the cover and adapted to remain in a pluggingposition between the spread sections until the clamping has beenaccomplished.

3. In a safety-razor, a blade seat comprising a pair of opposed andrelatively movable sections, a guard edge on each section, and bladestops on each guard edge; resilient means for normally holding saidsections together, means for spreading said sections, a seat cover forclamping a double-edged blade to the seat While the sections are spread,and a plug carried by the cover and adapted to remain in a pluggingposition between the spread sections until the clamping has beenaccomplished; said plug having a portion which locks beneath the seatafter the sections have re-closed, whereby the cover is locked to theseat.

fi. 1in a safety-razor, a curved blade seat comprising a pair of opposedand relatively movable sections, a guard edge on each section, and bladestops on each guard edge; resilient means for normally holding saidsections together, means for spreading said sections, means for exing adouble-edged blade into conformity with the curvature of the seat whilethe sections are spread, and means for locking said sections in spreadrelationship until the flexing has been accomplished, said last-namedmeans comprising a plug carried by the flexing means and adapted toenter the space between said sections.

MARCUS B. BEHRMAN.

